I have many interests, so this is going to be a blog on lots of subjects. Submarines, my family, history, books I read, the space programme, archaeology, astronomy, current events, the occasional joke.... Just don't expect any politics, sports or deep philosophy, and we should get along fine.

27 January 2008

Victoria Cross: F. S. Roberts

Citation: Lieutenant Roberts' gallantry has on every occasion been most marked.On following up the retreating enemy on the 2nd January, 1858, at Khodagunge [India], he saw in the distance two Sepoys going away with a standard. Lieutenant Roberts put spur to his horse, and overtook them just as they were about to enter a village. They immediately turned round, and presented their muskets at him, and one of the men pulled the trigger, but fortunately the caps snapped, and the standard-bearer was cut down by this gallant young officer, and the standard taken possession of by him. He also, on the same day, cut down another Sepoy who was standing at bay, with musket and bayonet, keeping off a Sowar. Lieutenant Roberts rode to the assistance of the horseman, and, rushing at the Sepoy, with one blow of his sword cut him across the face, killing him on the spot.

Note: A sowar was a mounted soldier, equivalent to a private, in the Indian Army.Roberts's son, Lt the Hon Frederick H S Roberts, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Battle of Colenso, on 15 Dec 1899.